Chances are, you have probably encountered a tractor-trailer on the road. While many drivers may think truck drivers have a better view of their surroundings since their vehicle is high off the ground and heavily equipped, that is not the case.
Although truckers have a broader forward view and more oversized side-view mirrors than your average car, they have no rear view mirror and large blind spots, known as “no-zones”, at the front, back, and sides of the truck. Therefore, it’s essential to understand where these no-zones are for truckers so that you can avoid them and prevent a crash.
What is a No-Zone?
No-zones are the areas around a tractor-trailer where a trucker has limited or no visibility, making any vehicles in them susceptible to danger. There are a few no-zones to consider, including the following:
Front no-zone. Cutting off a truck can be a deadly mistake. The front no-zone area extends about 20 feet from the front of a truck.
Side no-zone. Trucks have massive blind spots on both sides, especially the right side. Driving in the side no-zones puts your vehicle at risk of being side-swiped by the truck, potentially leading to a devastating accident.
Rear no-zone. Truck drivers do not have rearview mirrors, making rear no-zones especially critical to avoid. This blind spot extends up to 200 feet from the back of the truck, so if you’re driving behind a tractor-trailer, you must be cautious and vigilant of sudden stops.
A quick and easy way to check if you’re in a truck’s no-zone is to look into the truck’s side-view mirrors and locate the driver’s reflection. If the truck driver is visible to you in the mirror, they can see your vehicle in their vicinity. If you can’t see the driver in their side-view mirror, you are likely in one of the truck’s no-zones. Therefore, you’ll want to move somewhere else where the driver can see you as soon as possible.
If you are in a truck’s no-zone and the truck driver has to make a sudden stop or turn, your vehicle may be at immediate risk of a catastrophic collision. In that case, you’ll want to consult with an experienced and trustworthy truck accident attorney to discuss your legal options.
Truck Accident Attorneys Who Put Your Case First
Don’t let trucking companies and their legal teams back you into a corner after a truck accident. The truck accident attorneys at Henson Fuerst will be by your side every step of the way as you navigate this difficult time. Don’t wait to be compensated if you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident. Instead, contact the trusted truck accident lawyers at Henson Fuerst by filling out and submitting the contact form below or calling our office toll-free at 919-781-1107 for a free case evaluation today.
